Wednesday, Nov 05, 2008

Rabelais is proud to celebrate the publication of The Widow Clicquot, The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It, a new book by Tilar Mazzeo, at Evangeline on Wednesday November 5th. The Widow Clicquot is the story of the visionary young widow who built a Champagne empire, showed the world how to live with style and emerged a legend.

Rabelais is teaming with Erik Desjarlais, chef of Evangeline to produce a very special meal. Desjarlais is crafting a feast of four courses, each paired with a different Veuve Clicquot cuvee. The dinner will be available to 35 lucky individuals who reserve ahead by calling the restaurant at 791 2800 and asking for the dining room manager, Leigh. The cost of the four-course meal will be $150, plus tax/tip.

The dinner will be preceded by an hour-long reception, open to the public free of charge. Portland-based author Mazzeo, will be signing copies of the book, which will be available for sale. The cash bar will be serving Veuve Clicquot champagne, of course. The reception will take place between 5:30 and 6:30 and the dinner will begin immediately after.

Tilar J. Mazzeo is a cultural historian, biographer, and passionate student of wine and food culture. A member of the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association, she divides her time between the California wine country and Maine, where she is an assistant professor of English at Colby College.

Evangeline is Portland's home for fine French Bistro food, located at 190 State Street in Longfellow Square. 791 2800.